March 11, 2026

Regulatory Update for March 11, 2026

(Covering March 4, 2026 - March 10, 2026)

Our energy regulatory team has compiled a list of state and federal energy regulatory developments to keep you up to speed on key energy regulatory matters from across the United States. Stoel’s energy regulatory team is always available to answer questions about any of these developments. Click here to meet the energy regulatory team.

Jump to the following jurisdictions:

State Regulatory Agencies

• California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
• California Energy Commission (CEC)
• Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC)
• Pacific Northwest (OPUC, WUTC, BPA)

Federal Regulatory Agencies

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Independent System Operators (ISO) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO)

• California Independent System Operator (CAISO)
• Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)
• Southwest Power Pool (SPP)
• PJM Interconnection (PJM)

Click here to download this update as a PDF

State Regulatory Agencies

CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (CPUC or COMMISSION)[1]

Proposed Decisions and Resolutions

Rulemaking (R.) 13-02-008 (Order Instituting Rulemaking to Adopt Biomethane Standards and Requirements, Pipeline Open Access Rules, and Related Enforcement Provisions)

This decision addresses many of the outstanding issues within the Order Instituting Rulemaking to Adopt Biomethane Standards and Requirements, Pipeline Open Access Rules, and Related Enforcement Provisions.  Specifically, this decision: (1) adopts a Cost Containment Mechanism to protect ratepayers from extreme rate impacts; (2) reduces the overall procurement target set in Decision (D.) 22-02-025 from 72.8 billion cubic feet annually to 36.4 billion cubic feet annually; (3) extends both the Diverted Organic Waste procurement target and the overall procurement target to 2035; (4) allows all feedstocks to bid into future utility solicitations; (5) requires all procurement contracts to be submitted via Tier 3 Advice Letter (AL) regardless of contract price; and (6) orders modifications to the gas utilities’ draft Renewable Gas Procurement Plans.  Collectively, these modifications aim to create a more streamlined Renewable Gas Standard program while protecting ratepayers from excessive above-market costs.

Application (A.) 24-04-001 (Application of Southern California Edison Company (SCE) for a Commission Finding that its Procurement-Related and Other Operations for the Record Period January 1 Through December 31, 2023 Complied with its Adopted Procurement Plan; for Verification of its Entries in the Energy Resource Recovery (ERRA) Account and Other Regulatory Accounts; and for a decrease of $63.195 million in revenue requirement due to a net overcollection recorded in seven accounts)

This decision finds SCE meets the standard for compliance under the ERRA regulatory compliance standards for the 2023 Record Year.  According to the Proposed Decision (PD), SCE complied with all requirements reviewed by the Commission in the ERRA compliance process, during the 2023 Record Year.  The PD directs SCE to file a Tier 1 AL to decrease rates by a total of $63.195 million in net overcollected revenue requirement, including interest, reflecting the sum recorded across seven accounts, plus franchise fees and uncollectibles.  Further, SCE is directed to return $70,811 in unrealized revenue for four 2023 Public Safety Power Shutoff events.

Voting Meeting

The CPUC will hold a voting meeting in Sacramento, California, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. PT.  The energy-related items on the agenda are below:

Item 2. Resolution (Res) G-3617

This Resolution addresses Southwest Gas Corporation AL 1338-G, filed on July 29, 2025, which requests Commission approval of one biomethane procurement contract pursuant to the Renewable Gas Standard, as established in D.22-02-025. 

Item 5. A.24-05-008 (Application of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to Submit Its 2024 Risk Assessment and Mitigation Phase Report (RAMP))

This decision closes PG&E’s 2024 RAMP proceeding, the initial phase of PG&E’s 2027 Test Year General Rate Case (GRC), A.25-05-009, filed on May 15, 2025.  PG&E’s RAMP Report, filed with its application in this proceeding, contains PG&E’s detailed assessment of its top safety risks, risk mitigation programs and projects and the associated expenditures to address those risks for the 2027 to 2030 GRC period.  According to the PD, PG&E’s RAMP Report employs a new cost-benefit approach that permits a more logically sound “apples-to-apples” comparison of mitigation options than the now-superseded risk-spend efficiency approach used in previous RAMP applications.

Item 6. A.25-06-012 (In the Matter of the Application of Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) Regarding Year 31 (2024– 2025) of Its Gas Cost Incentive Mechanism)

This decision approves SoCalGas’s request for a shareholder reward of $8,374,056 for Year 31 (2024–2025) of the company’s Gas Cost Incentive Mechanism performance.  The Public Advocates Office at the Commission verified that SoCalGas’s recorded procurement annual actual costs were $42,142,370 below the benchmark, which results in a reward of $8,374,056 to SoCalGas’s shareholders and a ratepayer savings benefit of $33,768,315 in lower gas costs.

Item 8. A.25-02-001 (In the Matter of the Application of Shell California Pipeline Company LLC (Shell California) for Authority to Withdraw its Pipeline from Public Utility Service)

This decision approves Shell California’s Application to withdraw the Carson, California to the Los Angeles International Airport and the Carson to Van Nuys, California petroleum pipelines from common carrier service and terminate its status as a public utility upon fulfilling specific conditions. 

Item 9. R.25-07-013 (Order Instituting Rulemaking to Improve the California Climate Credit)

This decision orders the large electric investor-owned utilities (IOUs) to pause the distribution of the 2026 electric residential Climate Credit so that a forthcoming decision can direct when these credits should be distributed this year.  The residential electric Climate Credit is provided on customer bills in April and October, which are relatively low-billed months.  The current phase of this proceeding is considering moving the 2026 residential electric Climate Credit to high-billed summer months to maximize its affordability impact.  A PD addressing that matter is anticipated in March 2026.

Item 12. Res E-5411

This Resolution addresses San Diego Gas & Electric Company’s (SDG&E) request for review of CPUC staff’s denial of SDG&E AL 4475-E, through which SDG&E sought to open a memorandum account to track actual incremental administrative and/or procurement costs during a mass involuntary return of customers to Provider of Last Resort service.  While the Commission declines to review CPUC staff’s denial of SDG&E’s request to immediately open a memorandum account, the Resolution clarifies that the AL to be submitted in the event of an involuntary return shall be classified as Tier 1.

Item 13. Res E-5452

This Resolution approves, with modifications, the request from SCE to establish a new vehicle-grid integration (VGI) program within its existing Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Implementation Plan.  On April 29, 2025, SCE filed AL 5536-E, requesting to (1) include a new VGI program in SCE’s existing LCFS Implementation Plan, and (2) exempt the requirements of Public Utilities Code Section 851 as it applies to the LCFS holdback credit sales.  The VGI proposal consists of two major components.  First, the proposal presents the Orchestrated Charging and Advanced Resiliency for Distribution (ORCHARD), which would integrate a software layer into SCE’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System that would optimize customer electric vehicle (EV) charging times.  ORCHARD would offer each participant an annually declining incentive, starting at $50 for the customer’s first year of enrollment and fully withholding the incentives by the customer’s fifth year of enrollment.  Second, the proposal would offer rebates to some participants to cover the costs associated with installing bidirectional charging equipment.

Item 15. Res E-5440

This Resolution adopts, with modifications, the proposals of PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E (the IOUS) to establish Integration Capacity Analysis (ICA) remediation plans and baseline reporting pursuant to D.24-10-030.  ALs PG&E 7686-E, SCE 5614-E, and SDG&E 4710-E contain separate proposals from each IOU on remediation plans and baseline reporting for their respective ICAs.  Further, the Resolution establishes requirements for tracking and reporting issues with ICA that have been identified by the IOUs, parties, and prior orders of the Commission.  The progress of the ICA remediation plans and all additional reporting are ordered to be included in the Biannual ICA Reports and Quarterly ICA Workshops also established under D.24-10-03.

Item 17. A.25-06-007 (Application of SCE to issue, sell, and deliver one or more series of Debt Securities and guarantee the obligations of others in respect of the issuance of Debt Securities, the total aggregate principal amount of such indebtedness and guarantees not to exceed $10,125,000,000 and to execute and deliver one or more indentures; to sell, lease, assign, mortgage, or otherwise dispose of or encumber utility property; to issue, sell and deliver in one or more series, an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,405,000,000 par or stated value of Preferred Equity, and guarantee the obligations of others in respect of the issuance of that Preferred Equity)

This decision grants SCE authority pursuant to California Public Utilities Code §§ 816, 817, 818, 821, 823, 830, and 851 to, among other things, issue debt securities secured by utility property and accounts receivable not to exceed $9,850,000,000 and preferred equity not exceeding $1,155,000,000; use debt enhancements, caps, collars, swaps, and hedges to lower cost of debt securities; guarantee obligations of regulated affiliates and governmental entities; renew and/or refund commercial paper and other floating or variable rate debt securities; and arrange credit agreements or other credit facilities for the purpose of issuing debt.

Item 19. A.24-09-010 (Application of Liberty Utilities (CalPeco Electric) LLC (Liberty) for Authority to Among Other Things, Increase Its Authorized Revenues for Electric Service, Establish Marginal Costs, Allocate Revenues, and Design Rates, as of January 1, 2025)

This decision adopts and modifies an uncontested multi-party Settlement Agreement regarding revenue requirements issues and addresses Liberty’s Test Year 2025 GRC to increase its authorized revenues, allocate revenues and design rates.  This decision authorizes Liberty’s revenue requirement of $231,938,000, representing an 11.4% increase over the currently authorized revenue requirement of $208,147,000.

Item 20. A.24-06-001 (Application of SDG&E for Approval of: (i) Contract Administration, Least-Cost Dispatch and Power Procurement Activities in 2023, (ii) Costs Related to Those Activities Recorded to the ERRA, Portfolio Allocation Balancing Account, Power Charge Indifference Adjustment Undercollection Balancing Account, Transition Cost Balancing Account, Local Generating Balancing Account, and Modified Cost Allocation Mechanism Balancing Account in 2023, and (iii) Costs Recorded in Related Regulatory Accounts in 2023)

This decision grants, with the modifications, the application of SDG&E for approval of its ERRA Compliance for Record Period 2023.  SDG&E, in discussion with the intervenors to this application, agreed to update its valuation of its Resource Adequacy portfolio, to correct its accounting of its Renewables Portfolio Standard compliance position, and to allocate the revenue from certain battery energy storage systems to a broader set of customers.  This decision adopts those proposed changes.  This decision finds that SDG&E’s prudently managed activities resulted in a recording of the net undercollection of $214.580 million (though this number excludes the amounts in two accounts whose balances are confidential).  Finally, this decision authorizes SDG&E to recover the stranded costs from its Green Tariff Shared Renewables programs from all ratepayers via the Public Purpose Programs charge.

Item 21. R.20-05-012 (Order Instituting Rulemaking Regarding Policies, Procedures and Rules for the Self-Generation Incentive Program and Related Issues)

This decision denies the Petition for Modification of D.21-06-005 filed by ENGIE North America, Inc.  The petition requested that wastewater treatment plants be exempted from a Self-Generation Incentive Program requirement that on-site renewable biogas used in internal combustion engine projects contain at least 96% methane.

Item 22. A.09-09-022 (In the Matter of the Application of SCE for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Alberhill System Project)

This decision grants SCE’s request for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct the proposed Alberhill System Project subject to the Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance and Reporting Plan.

Item 24. Res E-5443

This Resolution approves PG&E’s relocation agreement with Meritage Homes to accommodate the Machado Ranch Project, which requests approval under Electric Rule 15.I.3 of an Actual Cost Contract (ACC) and Assignment and Consent of the ACC from Signature Homes, Inc. to Meritage Homes for the Machado Ranch development project in the City of Manteca, San Joaquin County, California. 

Item 25. A.25-01-003 (In the Matter of the Application of Crimson California Pipeline L.P. for Authority to Withdraw a Segment of Its Seal Beach Pipeline from Public Utility Service)

This decision approves Crimson California Pipeline L.P. to withdraw the southern segment of the Seal Beach Pipeline from public utility service, pursuant to California Public Utilities Code section 851. 

Item 52. A.24-04-017 (Application of LS Power Grid California, LLC for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity Authorizing Construction of the Power Santa Clara Valley Project)

This decision grants LS Power Grid California, LLC’s request for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing the construction of the Power Santa Clara Valley Project, configured as Alternative Combination 1 and subject to the mitigation measures identified in the Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Program.  This decision also certifies that the Final Environmental Impact Report for this project meets the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and that the benefits of the Power Santa Clara Valley Project outweigh and override the significant and unavoidable impacts for the reasons stated in Appendix A of the PD.  Finally, this decision establishes a maximum cost cap of $1,592,760,000 and grants LS Power Grid California, LLC exemptions from certain Commission affiliate transaction rules and reporting requirements.

Item 53. A.24-05-014 (Application of LS Power Grid California, LLC for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity Authorizing Construction of the Power the South Bay Project)

This decision grants LS Power Grid California, LLC’s (LS Power) request for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing the construction of the Power the South Bay Project, as proposed and subject to the mitigation measures identified in the Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Program.  This decision also certifies that the Environmental Impact Report prepared for this project meets the requirements of CEQA and adopts the CEQA Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations contained in Attachment A of the PD.  Further, this decision finds that the ability of the proposed project to improve system reliability and address system overload in the San Jose, California area outweighs its significant and unavoidable impacts on air quality.  Finally, this decision grants LS Power exemptions from certain Commission affiliate transaction rules and reporting requirements.

Item 54. Res E-5447

This Resolution approves PG&E AL 7653-E.  PG&E requests Commission approval of a non-standard Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Agreement with STACK Infrastructure, Inc. (STACK) under the exceptional case provisions of Electric Rules 15 and 16.  The EPC Agreement is part of the contractual framework supporting the energization of STACK’s new 90 megawatt (MW) data center load in San Jose and governs STACK’s construction of the Ringwood Switching Station and the subsequent transfer of that facility to PG&E.  The scope of AL 7653-E is limited to approval of the EPC Agreement for the customer-built Ringwood Switching Station.  AL 7653-E does not cover cost estimates, cost allocation and responsibility, or refunds to STACK.  Those issues were addressed in PG&E’s prior AL 7569-E and were approved with modification in Res E-5420, adopted by the Commission on October 30, 2025.  The Commission already approved the underlying energization project in Res E-5420 and adopted a modified refund framework to protect ratepayers. 

Item 55. Res E-5433

This Resolution approves, with modifications, PG&E AL 7667-E, which requests Commission approval of an agreement to support the energization of a new 49 MW data center and computing lab load in Sunnyvale, California, as requested by Sunnyvale Technology Partners LLC c/o Menlo Equities (Menlo Equities).  According to the Resolution, this agreement facilitates the construction of new transmission facilities to serve Menlo Equities’ load.  The Commission approves the AL with modifications, finding the agreement necessary and largely appropriate to energize this new load.

Court of Appeal Upholds Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0 Program

On March 9, 2026, the California Court of Appeal upheld the CPUC’s Net Billing Tariff, adopted in 2022 as a successor NEM 2.0 tariff, finding that the CPUC acted within its authority. More information on this decision may be found in our blogpost here.

Upcoming Workshops and Events

Grid Modernization Workshop

nergy Division will be hosting SDG&E’s Grid Modernization Workshop on March 12, 2026, from 1:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. PT, pursuant to D.18-03-023.  At this workshop, SDG&E will present and lead a discussion on its Grid Modernization Plan ahead of its May 15 Test Year 2028 GRC filing.  The workshop will be held via WebEx and will not have a physical meeting location.  A WebEx access link is available here (Webinar number: #2499 991 4692; Webinar password: tpTBBH9eP83). 

VGI Forum

The Commission will host a VGI Forum on March 25, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT in collaboration with several IOUs.  The purpose of the forum is to discuss three strategic focus areas for VGI, as identified in D.22-11-040: (1) rates and demand flexibility programs; (2) technology enablement; and (3) planning.  The VGI Forum will feature presentations from stakeholders on the three strategic focus areas as well as discussion to inform on ongoing VGI policy development.  The event will be held both in-person at the CPUC’s San Francisco headquarters, and remotely via WebEx.  Registration details are available here.

CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION (CEC)

Extended Comment Deadline for the Joint Agency Workshop on Senate Bill (SB) 100

On February 19, 2026, the CEC, CPUC, and California Air Resources Board (CARB) hosted a joint two-part workshop to present and discuss the draft electricity resource modeling results and implementation challenges for the SB 100 Joint Agency Report.  Pursuant to the March 4, 2026 notice of extension of the public comment period, the comment deadline on SB 100 Draft Results Workshop is March 20, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. PT.

Staff Workshop on Draft Guidelines for the Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) Program

On February 27, 2026, the CEC issued its Revised Draft DSGS Program Guidelines, Fifth Edition (Revised Guidelines), for public comment.  The Revised Guidelines includes additional modifications to: (1) reflect CEC staff’s current understanding of the funding level available for the 2026 program season, (2) limit battery storage participation eligibility in DSGS to require a permission-to-operate date on or before December 31, 2025, and (3) streamline minimum aggregation size for participation in Option 3 and 4.  A copy of the revised draft guidelines is available here and on Docket No. 22-RENEW-01, here.  A workshop was held on Monday, March 9, 2026 and written comments are now due by 5:00 p.m. PT on March 16, 2026.

Staff Workshop on Offshore Wind Port Development Program

The CEC will host a remote workshop on March 17, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. PT to present an overview of the Proposition 4 Offshore Wind Port Development Program, including a summary of related statutes, the processes the CEC will follow, and preliminary considerations for developing a future grant solicitation.  Access details along with a workshop agenda are available here.  Written comments are due to the Docket Unit by 5:00 p.m. PT on May 22, 2026.

CEC Issues Whitepaper on Benefits of Bidirectional Charging

On March 5, 2026, the CEC issued a whitepaper titled “A Roadmap to Unlocking the Benefits of Bidirectional Charging.”  The document signals the CEC’s commitment to realizing the benefits of bidirectional EV charging in California and discusses CEC activities and projects that demonstrate substantial potential and progress, while also identifying key barriers to adoption.  Modeling cited in the whitepaper shows that vehicle-to-home bidirectional charging could reduce peak residential demand by up to 5 gigawatt (GW) in 2030, with drivers achieving potential savings of up to $321 each summer season.  The report cites standardization and limited compensation mechanisms as key barriers to realizing the full benefits of bidirectional charging, but notes that the CEC is committed to working with all stakeholders and continuing to collaborate with CARB and the CPUC to support a policy framework for enabling and scaling bidirectional charging opportunities in California. 

Public comments on the whitepaper can be submitted to the Docket 22-EVI-06, available here.

Pre-Application Workshop Announced for National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) – 5th Solicitation

The CEC hosted a pre-application workshop on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 regarding California’s solicitation 5 (South) for funding under the NEVI Formula Program.  A workshop for solicitation 6 (community charging) will be held on March 11, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. PT.  Participation in the workshop is “optional but encouraged” and registration details are available here.

CEC Business Meetings

The next CEC Business Meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2026.  The agenda and supporting materials are available here.

MINNESOTA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (MPUC)

At its March 12, 2026, agenda meeting, the Commission will consider: (1) disallowances to Xcel Energy’s Top 10 Executive Compensation in its 2021 electric rate case (Docket No. E002/GR-21-630); (2) requiring an addendum to the Environmental Assessment for Big Bend Wind, LLC and Great River Energy’s 161-kilovolt high voltage transmission line and associated facilities in Martin County, Minnesota, whether to issue an associated draft route permit, and whether to request the Administrative Law Judge to conduct public hearings and prepare a summary of public testimony (Docket No. IP7013/TL-25-389); (3) determine whether the compliance filings of Minnesota’s gas utilities comply with the MPUC’s February 2023 and June 2025 orders, and should be accepted and approved (Docket Nos. G999/CI-21-135; G008/M-21-138; G004/M-21-235; G002/CI-21-610; G011/CI-21-611); and (4) approval of the proposed modifications to the existing Shared Savings Demand-Side Management Financial Incentive Mechanism for implementation beginning in 2027, as proposed by the  Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources and Fresh Energy (Docket No. E,G999/CI-08-133).

PACIFIC NORTHWEST (OPUC, WUTC)

Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC)

On March 11, 2026, the OPUC held a public comment hearing regarding NW Natural Water Company, LLC’s request for a general rate revision.  More information is here.  Additionally, this week Amazon acquired a 1.2GW solar and energy storage facility in Oregon.  The project represents one of the first times the Amazon has taken the lead in constructing a renewable energy project as the primary owner.  Local coverage is here.

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC)

On March 9, 2026, the WUTC held an open meeting to discuss Avista Corporation d/b/a Avista Utilities’ 2025 Clean Energy Implementation Plan (Docket No. UE-250746).  

The Washington State legislature continues to consider a pair of bills, SB 6171 and House Bill (HB) 2515, that would require Emerging Large Energy Use Facilities (ELEUFs) to purchase their energy and pay for needed infrastructure through new tariffs or contracts developed by the state’s utilities.  Under the bills, starting in 2031, ELEUFs commencing operation after July 1, 2026, must certify to the state that 80% of the energy used to serve their load in the prior year came from renewable or non-emitting resources, and that they purchased the electricity and renewable energy certificates to substantiate that certification in a “single transaction.”  The laws require ELEUFs to serve their load using 100% renewable or non-emitting resources beginning in 2035.  There has been no movement on SB 6171 in the Senate.  Additionally, there have been no developments regarding HB 2515 since no action was taken on the bill at the March 2, 2026 executive session in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means.

Washington State legislators are also considering a bill to require Washington utilities to allow customer-owned meter-mounted devices that make solar easier to install.  The bill passed the Washington House on February 11, 2026, and is currently in the Senate Rules committee.  Local coverage is here.

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)

On March 11, 2026, BPA held a Contract High Water Mark and Resource Support Services workshop to develop and review Provider of Choice Resource Support Service contract provisions for application of non-federal resources.

Federal Agencies

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION (FERC)

FERC Commissioner David LaCerte’s Nomination Advanced to Senate

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted to advance Commissioner David LaCerte’s nomination to serve a full term on FERC to the Senate.  The Senate previously confirmed LaCerte to finish former Commissioner Willie Phillips’ term, which ends on June 30, 2026.  If confirmed, LaCerte would serve a term that ends on June 30, 2031.

February 2026 FERC Meeting      

FERC held its February 2026 FERC meeting on February 19, 2026, which covered administrative, electric, gas, and hydro matters on its docket, including the below order on qualifying facilities (QFs).

Order on QF Recertification Delays

FERC issued an order in Branch Street Solar Partners, LLC, addressing a rehearing and clarification request filed by several solar QFs whose owners had failed to timely recertify their facilities after changes in ownership.  FERC determined that because the QF recertifications for these projects did not occur until months or years after the ownership changes, the facilities’ prior QF certifications “may no longer be relied upon,” and therefore FERC no longer considered the companies to be QFs during the interim period, triggering refunds for violating federal law.  More on this order may be found on our client alert here.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE)

Washington Attorney General Petitions DOE Coal Plant Order

The State of Washington and a group of public interest organizations petitioned the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for review of a Federal Power Act 202(c) order from DOE to restart a decommissioned coal power plant in Centralia, Washington.  The Washington Attorney General claimed DOE, in issuing the order, was “citing a hypothetical and unlikely energy emergency” and filed an additional suit against DOE for violating the Freedom of Information Act by unlawfully withholding records related to the order to reopen the plant.

CALIFORNIA INDEPENDENT SYSTEM OPERATOR (CAISO)

Stakeholder Initiatives: Upcoming Meetings and Deadlines

Resource Adequacy Modeling and Program Design Working Group

The CAISO hosted a virtual meeting for the Resource Adequacy Modeling and Program Design working group on March 2, 2026, to discuss track 2 Resource Adequacy Availability Incentive Mechanism reform options.  Written comments on the working group meeting are due by the end of the day March 16, 2026.  The meeting details can be found here.

Western Energy Markets (WEM) Regional Issues Forum

The WEM Regional Issues Forum’s hybrid in-person/virtual meeting will take place at the CAISO in Folsom, California, on March 16, 2026.  The discussion is focused on the CAISO’s 2026 Market Policy Initiative Catalog and Roadmap Process.  Registration details can be found here.

Demand and Distributed Energy Market Integration (DDEMI) Meeting

The CAISO will host a virtual stakeholder meeting for the DDEMI initiative on March 13, 2026.  The meeting details can be found here.

Distributed Generation Deliverability Assessment Results Posted

The CAISO has posted the 2025-2026 Deliverability for Distributed Generation Study Results Report.  The eligible distributed generation facilities in grid areas, where the CAISO’s distributed generation facilities seeking an initial or increase in deliverability status must apply for deliverability status assignment as described in the report.

MIDCONTINENT INDEPENDENT SYSTEM OPERATOR (MISO)

Expedited Resource Addition Study (ERAS) Third Cycle Projects

MISO announced the third cycle of projects it will evaluate under its ERAS review process.  The third cycle of projects include 15 projects totaling approximately 8 GW of proposed new capacity, featuring a mix of natural gas and battery storage resources.

SOUTWEST POWER POOL (SPP)

SPP-MISO Joint Transmission Portfolio

The SPP-MISO Interregional Planning Stakeholder Advisory Committee published its 2024-2025 Coordinated System Plan study results, which identified two potential combinations of transmission development (Core and Core+) to address reliability, economic, and transfer considerations across three corridors along the southern seam.  The transmission portfolios are valued at $1.3 billion and $3.6 billion respectively.

PJM INTERCONNECTION LLC (PJM)

Price Collar Extension and Expedited Interconnection Track Proposals

PJM filed a proposal with FERC seeking approval to extend the existing price cap of approximately $325/MW-day and the price floor of approximately $175/MW-day used in capacity auctions for two additional delivery years.  PJM also filed a proposal with FERC to expedite interconnection studies in its Expedited Interconnection Track for new eligible power generation, which, among other things, offers at least 250 MW of accredited unforced capacity and can achieve commercial operation within three years.

--------------------

[1] Per the CPUC’s Rules of Practice and Procedure Rule 14.3, comments on proposed decisions are due 20 days after issuance of the proposed decision, and reply comments are due five days thereafter.  Comments on draft resolutions are due 20 days after the draft resolution appears in the CPUC’s daily calendar, per Rule 14.5.